By CHARLENE PAUL
Moapa Valley Progress
A group of 34 local teens, along with their adult leaders, headed to Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 11 looking to lend a helping hand. They went to serve dinner to the homeless at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission.
It wasn’t the first time that this group had been to the Rescue Mission. The teens and their leaders have been offering service twice a year, in July and November, for the past few years now.
“It is an opportunity for all of us to get outside of our comfort zones and help others who are having a difficult time,” said adult leader Suzanne Garlick. “These people come alive with something as simple as a smile.”
Once the young volunteers arrived, they quickly went to work serving meals, handing out water, wiping down tables, and doing whatever else needed to be done. The temperature in the building was warm and everyone there was sweating, but no one complained.
“Knowing how hot it is and that these people are subject to that heat day after day during the summer made the two hours we were there not seem so bad,” Garlick explained.
“The Mission has a rehabilitation program to help those in need re-establish themselves and become good citizens,” Garlick added. “They always welcome volunteers.”
Ransom Johnson, one of the young volunteers said, “The people were so gracious. They just needed somebody to look up to, and that was my purpose for the trip. It was heartwarming to be able to help.”
Hanna Mortensen has volunteered at the mission several times now. “It is always a very eye-opening experience to put food on plates and serve these people,” she said. “They are appreciative.”
Mortensen went on to explain, “The director told us that these people are kicked out of almost everywhere they go. They need to feel like they belong. They need smiles.”
“I feel like it is a good thing,” said Ethan Garlick. “Everyone should volunteer and help. I love it.”
When asked to sum it all up, Suzanne said, “We all need to get out and serve when and where we can. Helping people isn’t about church or duty, it is about being good neighbors and friends. There’s always an opportunity to help; we just have to look for it.”
